USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 140
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Levi Harbur says that the snow of 1830-31 was three feet four inches on an average, and that he resolved that if it ever went off, Illinois would not hold him long. The snow went off, but he did not. I have measured a stump near where Mr. H. resides. It is a white oak, eight feet high and two feet in diameter at the top. Mr. Harbur says he cut it not more than two feet above the snow, so that the snow must have been six feet deep at that place, but that was drifted.
Samuel Harbour was born September 24, 1799, in Garrard county, Kentucky, and was taken by his parents, in infancy, to Christian county. In 1817, he accompanied his brother Levi to Madi- son county Illinois, and from there he came to what is now Chatham township, Sangamon county, arriving October, 1819. He was married
March, 1823, to Elizabeth Briscce, who died Feb- ruary, 1824, shortly after the birth of their child. Mr. Harbour married the second time, Elizabeth Lindley, being his second wife. Mr. Ilarbour died in 1874.
Simon Lindley, came in the spring of 1820. He was born January 20, 1769, in Orange county, North Carolina. Anna Standley was born February 3, 1766, in Kent county, Delaware. Her parents moved to Pendleton District, South Carolina. Simon Lindley and Anna Standley were there married, July 14, 1789. They came to what became Sangamon county, arriving April 14, 1820, in what is now Chatham town- ship. Mr. Lindley was a very eccentric man, and many anecdotes are related of him, both in connection with his preaching and in private life. Mr. Lindley was also a man of liberal education. He was educated at some college in Philadelphia, but whether he was a graduate or not, I cannot say. After the town of Spring- field was laid out, there was a discrepancy between the surveyors of that and the former town of Calhoun, and Mr. Lindley was called on to re-survey it and harmonize the differences, which he did, to the satisfaction of all parties. Mr. Lindley was also a minister of the Regular, or Predestination Baptist Church, and preached the gospel as the occasion offered. It is related of him that on one occasion he was holding forth to a congregation not far from his own house, and in the midst of his sermon he heard a noise to which he gave instant attention. Turning to his bearers, he said: "Brethren, the trap is down. Hold fast to the text till I return, and I will finish my sermon." Leaving the stand, he went to the place where he had set a trap, and which had been sprung on a wolf. He instantly dispatched it, re-set the trap, and returned and finished his discourse. Mr. Lindley died in 1827. His widow survived him many years.
Jacob Miller came in 1824, and settled in the northwest corner of the township. Here he raised a large family, and died July 27, 1862.
Thomas and David Alexander, Andrew Starr, Peter Ballou, Randall and Joseph Davis, John Wychoff, Stephen and John Neal, Joseph Hil- liard, Henry Hall, William and David Work- man, Eli Harlan and Allen Bridges, were also among the early settlers of the township.
Thomas Alexander was born about 1768, in Ireland, and his parents came to America when he was about four years old, landing at Charles- ton, South Carolina. Lynna Goodlett was born October 11, 1780, in Greenville District, South Carolina. They were there married. In 1806,
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THISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.
they moved to Christian county, near Hopkins- ville, Kentucky, where they had two children, and moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriv- ing in October, 1828, three miles east of Auburn. In 1829, they moved to what is now Chatham township, south of Lick creek. He died August 12, 1844.
Daniel Neal was born about 1770, in Bedford county, Virginia. He was married there to Polly Booth, a native of the same county. They moved to Franklin county, Tennessee, in the fall of 1808. Died in 1838. The family then moved to Bourbon county, Kentucky. They moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving November 10, 1823, in what is now Chatham township.
Silas Harlan was born January 5, 1781, in Berkley county, Virginia. He went to Christian county, Kentucky, and came to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving in 1827. He entered about one thousand acres of land, and improved a farm, three and a half miles south of Chatham. Eliza- beth Messick was born March 26, 1809, in Rock- ingham county, Virginia, and her father moved the next year to Christian county, Kentucky. In 1827, Elizabeth came to Sangamon county with the family of John French. Silas Harlan and Elizabeth Messick were married September 10, 1829.
Jacob Miller was born in 1789, in Kentucky. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, mustered in at Winchester, Kentucky, and was in the battle of Tippecanoe. Lucina Poats was born December 18, 1793, in Stafford county, Virginia, and was taken to Clark county, Kentucky, when she was quite young. Jacob Miller and Lucina Poats were there married, in 1812. Moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving December, 1824, in what is now the northwest corner of Chatham township. He died in 1862.
William Gibson was born about 1780, near Staunton, Virginia, and was taken by his parents, at six or seven years of age, to Fayette county, Kentucky. He was married in Boone county, in 1809, to Mary Holman. She was born July 29, 1789, in Woodford county. Her father, Edward Holman, and Jesse Holman-for many years Judge of the Supreme Court of Indiana- were brothers. She was, consequently, a cousin to Hon. Wm. S. Holman, of the Fifth Congres- sional District of Indiana. Moved to Sangamon county, Illinois, arriving November 1, 1829, and settled in what is now the northwest corner of Chatham township.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first birth in the township was Alfred C. Campbell, who was born July 22, 1819. When
the war with Mexico broke out he enlisted in Captain Morris' company, and served until his regiment was discharged, holding the commis- sion of Lieutenant. When the rebellion broke out he raised a company, October 2, 1861, and became Captain of Company E., Thirty-second Illinois Infantry, under Colonel John Logan, and fought in all the battles from Fort Donel- son to the sea. At Pittsburg Landing, his com- pany lost thirty-two men, killed and wounded, out of fifty-six in action. He served three years and four months, and was honorably discharged. Captain Campbell moved, in 1851, to the vicinity of Mowequa, Shelby county, where he now re- sides.
The first death was that of Jane Kimes, who died with flux. Her coffin was made from tim- ber split out of a tree, and hewn and dressed with a broad-axe by John Darneille.
Samuel Wychoff was the first justice of the peace.
The first school was taught on section nine- teen, in 1822, by Ira McGlassen.
Simon Lindley, a Baptist minister, already spoken of as an early settler, preached the first sermon.
The first church was organized by the Bap- tists in 1821.
The first mill was the old-fashioned horse mill, built by John Campbell, shortly after his arrival.
The first water-mill was a saw-mill, built and run by Johnson Hardin, on Lick creek, as early as 1828.
The first steam grist-mill was erected in Chat- ham village, in 1856.
SCHOOLS.
The first school, as stated, was on section nine- teen, and the house in which it was held was a small log one of a very primitive style. Im- provements have since been made in this respect, and the township is now pretty well supplied with school houses, with accommodations much superior to those in the beginning. There are now seven school houses in the township, out- side of the village, and one in the village, having a total value of $6,000 or $7,000.
RELIGIOUS.
The pioneers of Chatham were mostly a God- fearing people, and as opportunity offered, as- sembled themselves for religious worship. Separated from home and friends, far away from the sound of the church-going bells, they earnest- ly craved the bread of life, and the minister of the gospel, of whatever name or creed, received
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.
a royal welcome. Rev. Simon Lindley was the harbinger who went before, to prepare the way for other disciples to follow after. The meet- ings were first held in the private dwelling houses of the pioneers, then in the school houses, and lastly in the more modern church buildings that now point their spires Heavenward. The Advent Christians have an organization and meet at the school house on section nineteen; the United Brethren have an organization and a neat house of worship on section thirty. The Presbyterians, Methodists and Baptists have each houses of worship and effective organiza- tions in the village of Chatham.
ORGANIC.
The township of Chatham was organized, and first election was held in April, 1861. The town- ship records being destroyed by fire, in 1879, the officers of the township cannot be given, save those of 1880 and 1881, which are as follows:
1880 .- Edward R. Thayer, Supervisor; Leon- ard Ledbrook, Town Clerk; George W. Green- wood, Assessor; John G. Ransom, Collector; Jacob Leonard, Ezra Barnes, Henry Brawner, Commissioners of Highways; E. J. Short, John A. Neal, Justices of the Peace; Arza B. Pilcher, Joseh Mc Whorter, Constables.
1881 .- Edward R. Thayer, Supervisor; Leon- ard Ledbrook, Town Clerk; George W. Green- wood, Assessor; John G. Ransom, Collector; James M. Darneille, Noah D. Mason, Henry Brawner, Commissioners of Highways; E. J. Short, John A. Neil, Justices of the Peace; Arza B. Pilcher, William Decker, Constables.
VILLAGE OF CHATHAM.
The village of Chatham was laid out and platted on he 22d day of October, 1836, by Luther N. Ransom. Several additions have since been made and it now comprises a portion of section seven, township of Ball, and section twelve, of Chatham. The village is pleasantly situated, and is of a home-like appearance.
The first house was built by Mr. Ransom, of logs, and was situated where the post office now stands, on Main street. This house was erected the same season in which the village was platted. But little more was done that season; in fact, it was not until 1852, after the completion of the present Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Railroad, that the village began to grow.
POST OFFICE.
A post office was established at Chatham, in 1838, the mail being carried by the stage running from Springfield to St. Louis and return. George
Crocker was the first to hold the commission of Uncle Sam with the privilege of signing his name and affixing the title of "P. M." to it. Since Mr. Crocker's day up to 1881, the follow- ing named have held the office in order named: Peter Freeman, Henry Chew, Joseph Whitney, Curtis J. Norton, Nehemiah Wright, S. S. Sabine, E. B. Smith, S. S. Sabine, Jr., Francis Sabine.
SCHOOLS.
A school was held in 1837 in the smoke house of Luther N. Ransom, by Roxana S. Lyman. This was the first in the place. A school house was not erected until 1839. This was a frame building and did good service for the purpose for which it was built, for nineteen years. The house is now used as a grocery store by Charles A. Smith. The next was a frame building, two stories in height, which was erected in 1858, at a cost of $2,400. It is yet used and well answers the purpose for which it was built. It has three large recitation rooms, with halls and closets. The graded school system was adopted in 18 -.
RELIGIOUS.
The religious development of the place has kept pace with other improvements, there being now three good church buildings and organiza- tions-Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist.
The Presbyterian Church was organized at the house of Rev. D. Whitney, two miles north of Chatham township, June 21, 1835, by Revs. D. Whitney and T. A. Spillman The following named comprised the membership on its organi- zation : William Thornton, Judith P. Thorn- ton, Mary E. Thornton, Emma D. Thornton, Martha W. Thornton, Mildred R. Jones, Louisa Whitney, Alonzo H. Whitney, Julia M. Whit- ney, William H. and Eliza Meteer, Harvey and Rebecca Ann Hall. The same date of organiza- tion William Thornton was elected elder, since which time the following named have been elected, and have served in the office : Luther N. Ransom, Cornelius Lyman, William W. Meteer. February 3, 1841, William Holland and Ashal Thayer ; April 7, 1844, Cyrus W. Van Deren, Harvey H. Hall, J. R. Lewis ; Janu- ary 15, 1859, John Smith, Henry Thayer ; Feb- ruary 14, 1864, Joseph B. Whitney, James Mel- vin, John L. Turner; March 5, 1876, William Lockridge. Of the foregoing all are thought to be dead, save James Melvin, Henry Thayer and Cyrus W. Van Deren, who are the present ruling elders. The following named have served as pastors or stated supplies for the church : Rev. Dewey Whitney, William C.
Cyrus Manieren
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.
Greenleaf, William Fithian, Josiah Porter, A. M. Dixon, Noah Bishop, E. W. Thayer, W. B. Spence, John H. Harris, John D. Jones, H. G. Pollock and H. V. D. Nevius. The first meet- ings of the church were held at private houses and school houses, and it was not until 1851 that a house of worship was erected. At this time, a building was erected, at a cost of $1,300. Sub- sequently it was remodeled, at a cost of $800.
In 1875,a parsonage was erected, at a cost of $1,600. The church is now out of debt, and has a membership of thirty-five. A good Sun- day school has been kept going for many years, and is now under the superintendency of Henry Thayer.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first Baptist families that settled in Chat- ham, came in 1854, but it was not for some years after that an attempt was made to organize a church. Rev. A. Stott was the first to pro- claim Baptist principles in the place, and Rev. M. V. Kitzmiller the second one. In February, 1866, a revival occurred in the village, in great part among the pupils of the high school, and about fifty experienced a change of heart. On Saturday, March 31, 1866, the Baptists met in council. A confession of faith and covenant was read and adopted. They met again April 28, 1866, and Rev. M. V. Kitzmiller, of Girard, and Rev. A. Gross, of Springfield, being present, the' First Baptist church of Chatham was formally organized, with the following named constituent members: James Gibson, Margaret Gibson, C. J. DeWitt, Helen Smith, Thomas Beerup, Sinai Beerup, Jefferson Wright, America Wright, Moses Winslow, Mary Camp- bell, Charles Aldrich, Lucinda Wright, James Miller, Hannah Winslow, Elizabeth Aldrich, Mary Aldrich, Anna Aldrich, Melinda Miller, Mary Wright. The day after organization, several parties were "buried with Christ in bap- tism," the first in the place. Subsequently the church built a neat house of worship, where they meet regularly.
MEDICAL.
Men will get sick and the services of the phy- sicians are usually in demand. One feels safer if he knows the doctor is within call.
Dr. Alansan Stockwell was the first physician in the place. In 1837, he "hung out his shingle" and offered his professional services to all within call. The people were too healthy or too per- verse to get sick, and Dr. Stockwell, while here, was compelled to labor as a mechanic or day
laborer, in order to secure a living. He soon left for Tremont.
Dr. Fitzhugh came next, in 1839. He was a good physician, had a large practice, and was re- spected by the community. He moved to Mis- souri.
Dr. John R. Lewis came in 1843. He was a Connecticut man, and a good physician. He died in 1857.
Dr. Thomas Spottswood came in 1844. He secured a good practice, but only remained two years. Ile went from here to Florida.
Dr. Malone came in 1847 and left in 1849. He was a fair physician, and secured a good practice. He moved to Waverly, and subse- quently died.
Dr. Nehemiah Wright came in 1850, and yet remains. The estimation in which he is held, is testified by the gold-headed cane which he car- ries-a present from those whom he has profes- sionally served.
Drs. Johnson, Fox, Helmle, Hammond and Sprague have each dispensed powders and pills to the afflicted, and have resided in the village.
The following named are the present resident physicians: N. Wright, A. B. Hewitt, S. C. Hewitt, J. H. Smith and Charles A. Wright.
BUSINESS OF CHATHAM.
In the summer of 1837, Luther N. Ransom erected a building for a store-room, which was occupied that season by Daniel Mifflin, with a stock of general merchandise. This was the beginning of trade in Chatham. Since that date many have come and gone. Business for a time would flourish, and then hard times would ensue. The following now comprises the business of the village:
General Merchandise -- B. F. Caldwell, E. B. Smith, C. A. Smith.
Drugs-L. Ledbrook, H. F. Thayer.
Restaurant-William Anderson.
Shoemakers-L. R. Butler, William Bell.
Meat Shops-Joseph McWherter.
Lumber-Mitchell, Smith & Co.
Hotel-George W. Sword.
Blacksmiths-William C. Hellerman Joseph Adams.
Carpenters-Daniel Keller, Brown Pilcher, W.
I. Aldrich, Wallace Lord.
Grain Dealers .- Mitchell, Smith & Co. Mill-M. R. Thayer.
Stock Men .- Job McGredy, David Pyle, Ben McAtee, William Gardner, William Lockridge, John Lockridge, John Marshall, Newton Yutton & Bros.
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.
MILLS.
Chatham was without mill privileges until 1856, when S. N. Fullenwider built a large grist- mill, with three run of stone, and which has from the beginning had the reputation of manu- facturing a superior article of flour. The mill has changed hands several times, and is now owned and run by M. R. Thayer & Co.
ORGANIC.
The village of Chatham is incorporated, but, as the records were destroyed by fire, the offi- cers for 1881 alone are given: Village Trustees, Thos. Butler, President; J. M. Darneille, E. B. Smith, Jas. Headley, D. Keller. Village Clerk, Z. T. McGinnis. Police Magistrate, S. S. Sabine. Village Marshal, W. H. Decker. Street Com- missioner, C. W. Shipley.
BANK.
The Bank of Chatham was organized in the fall of 1879, and opened for business January 20, 1880. The laws of the State being such as to prohibit the organization of a joint stock com- pany for banking, it was made a partnership concern. The following named embraced the original partners: Benjamin Caldwell, Jesse H. Smith, Edwin B. Smith, E. F. McConnell & Son, Peter C. Campbell, John Workman, L. F. Hamilton, Edward V. Lewis, E. W. Pike, and M. R. Thayer. The first election for officers re- sulted in the choice of B. F. Caldwell, President; E. B. Smith, Vice President; Edward V. Lewis, Cashier. The officers are elected yearly, and in 1881, the old officers were re-elected but subsequently E. V. Lewis resigned, and John T. Lewis was elected to fill the vacancy. The bank does a general banking business, re- ceiving deposits and selling exchange on all the principal cities. From its commencement its business has steadily increased, its success being beyond all expectation. The deposits now, (in the fall of 1881) amounting from $50,000 to $60,000. Being an unlimited partnership, and the members of the firm being among the wealthiest men in Chatham and vicinity, makes it a specially safe place of deposit. A few changes have occurred in the number of partners, it now embracing B. F. Caldwell, Edwin B. Smith, Peter C. Campbell, John Workman, M. R. Thayer, Matthew Cloyd and John T. Lewis, all of whom are well known business men, the aggregate wealth of which amounts to thousands of dollars.
MASONIC.
A flourishing lodge of Masons now exists in the place, with the following named officers for 1881: B. Y. Smith, W. M .; S. C. Hewitt, S. W .; E. R. Thayer, J. W .; E. B. Smith, Treas- urer; M. R. Thayer, Secretary; D. McCulley, S. D .; J. J. Martin, J. D .; Wm. Hillerman, Tyler; W. J. Chapin, Chaplain. The lodge is known as Chatham Lodge, No. 553, A. F. and A. M., and has a membership of fifty.
The history of Chatham township is contin- ned by biographical mention of a number of representative citizens, a lack of space prevents us from inserting many others who would add an interest to the volume.
Hiram Alexander .- The early progenitor of the Alexander family, in Sangamon county, was Thomas Alexander, born in Ireland, about 1768. At four years of age his parents moved to America, landing at Charleston, South Carolina; he married Lynna Goodlett, born October 11, 1780; they moved to Christian county, Kentucky, in 1806, where they had two children. They came to Sangamon county in October, 1828, and settled in Chatham township, 1829, on eighty acres of land.
Thomas Alexander died December 18, 1855; Mrs. Alexander died August 12, 1844. Their daughter, May Ann, born in Kentucky, 1810, married John L. Drennan, in 1830, had three children. Mr. Drennan died in 1842.
David Alexander, born in Kentucky, October 3, 1814; came to Sangamon county, with his father, in 1828; married Catharine Darneille, March 13, 1833; she was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, August 2, 1817; was a daughter of John Darneille, who came to Sangamon county from Kentucky in 1819, and was one of the first families that settled in Chatham township. David Alexander had fourteen children, seven of whom died in early life.
John T., born December 25, 1835, was among the first to respond to the call for seventy-five thousand troops to crush the Rebellion; served his three months, re-enlisted for three years, and enlisted as veteran, January, 1864; he lost his right hand at St. Charles, Arkansas, by prema- ture discharge of a cannon, in firing a salute over Lee's surrender; lives on home farm.
David S., born November 20, 1842; enlisted in the war, August 13, 1861, was discharged one year later for physical disability ; died March 10, 1866, from disease contracted in the army.
Catharine, born December 20, 1844; married Lafayette Brash, May 29, 1862; lives near old home.
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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.
Hiram Alexander, the subject of our sketch, was born March 30, 1847; enlisted in the Missouri Eleventh Infantry, March 14, 1864-then seven- teen years old, for three years; served until July 14, 1865, when he was discharged for physical disability; married March 9, 1873, to Mary E. Van Doren, born December 3, 1856, daughter of P. C. Van Doren, who was born in New Jersey, April 18, 1818. In 1824, the family moved to Ohio, where he married Margaret Hathaway, and with his father's family, moved to Sangamon county, settling in Curran township, May 22, 1839.
Mr. Hiram Alexander is now living near the old home, four miles southwest of Chatham vil- lage, on a farm which he is cultivating in the finest manner. His farm is mostly fenced with living hedges; his buildings are commodious, and are surrounded with fruit and ornamental trees, all of which bespeak the thrifty farmer.
William, born October 1, 1849, married Emnia Price, and now lives in Loami township; Mary Belle, born June 17, 1856, lives at home with her mother; Cyrus M., born January 29, 1859, lives at home, managing farm, and settling his father's estate. David Alexander, died January 28, 1881, on the farm, where he settled with his father, in 1829. His educational facilities were very limited, yet he acquired a business education sufficient for general purposes, conducting all with the strictest integrity. He, by his untiring industry, added over six hundred acres to the original purchase, of eighty acres.
In his last will he made a very judicious divis- ion of his estate, among his children; giving the widow the "old home," on which she now resides, with her children settled near her.
Peter C. Campbell .- Around the "Campbell family" cluster many interesting reminiscences of the early settlers of Sangamon county. There appears to be several lines of ancestry in the family name in the county, and the nearness to which they may trace their genealogy is a matter not definitely arrived at. The different lines as represented here seem to have originated in one of the then "British Isles." Whatever may have been their land of general ancestry, each line, from the earliest knowledge of them, has promptly responded to the country's call in the defense of her rights and liberties. And that love of freedom, and country's good, that so animated their progenitors in the old French and Indian war-so quickly followed by our Revolutionary struggle, has been re-animated, in the generations that followed, in the War of 1812, and other wars since that time. The rebellion in our own States found many ready to
place their lives upon the country's altar, and not a few sacrificed them there. Jeremiah Campbell, the direct ancestor of P. C. Camp- bell, was settled in Tennessee before the Revolu- tion, was in the immediate command of the intrepid General Marion during the war, shar- ing alike his dangers and frugal fare, even pota- toes baked in the ashes, and eaten without any condiments whatever; he lived to near one hun- dred years of age. He had two sons, John and Jackson; of Jackson little is known beyond his living in 1860 on the home farm in Tennessee, which the family had owned one hundred years, John Campbell was born in Carter county Ten- nessee, November 4, 1790, he enlisted for the War of 1812, into a company from that county, and served six months, and then re-enlisted and served until March, 1815. He was a Lieutenant in the last campaign, and drew pension until death. In 1818 he moved to Madison county. Illinois, and on November 6, 1818, married Lavina Park- ison, who was born February 21, 1803; her fami- ly moving from Tennessee at same time of Camp- bell family. Mr. Campbell then moved to San- gamon county, arriving March 22, 1819, on Lick creek, in Chatham township, and they had seven children. Mrs. Lavina Campbell died Decem- ber 13, 1853, and Mr. Campbell married Margery Carson, sister of his first wife; she died March 5, 1870, and Mr. Campbell died January 29, 1875,-85 years of age-on the farm where he settled in 1819, five miles west of Chatham, leaving a very large estate, the accumulation of years of hard labor and economy, preserving always the strictest integrity, making his word as good as the bonded paper. He took part in the Black Hawk war, as did most of the settlers of that day. The first mill built in the county, built by Daniel Lisle, after being sold once or twice, came into his hands, he moved it to Lick creek, where he put it up and ran it for many years. One of the burrs of that mill was used by Mr. C. as a door-step until he died. Alfred C. Campbell, son of John, was born July 22, 1819, was the first white child born in the town- ship of Chatham, and the third one born in the county; one Joseph E. McCoy being born March 13, 1819, was the first one in the county. Alfred C. married Polly Foster, daughter of Peyton Foster, who had reached Loami township in 1826, from Kentucky, May 13, 1838. June 10, 1846, he enlisted with Illinois Infantry for the Mexican war, as second Lieutenant under Col. Baker. After the death of Captain Morse at Tampico, Mexico, he commanded the company at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. When the re-
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